Aim To investigate the predicting value of plasma levels of soluble CD40L(sCD40L),monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1),interleukin-8(IL-8),and interleukin-6(IL-6) for the severity and instability of coronary artery disease. Methods sCD40L,MCP-1,IL-8 and IL-6 were measured in 129 cases of coronary artery disease patients,including 39 stable angina pectoris,43 unstable angina pectoris and 47 acute myocardial infarction,using flow cytometric method.Gensini scores were evaluated for each patient.Correlation of the above inflammatory factors with Gensini scores was analyzed.The predicting value of the above biomarkers for acute coronary syndrome was investigated. Results Concentrations of the tested inflammatory factors were higher in all the three coronary artery disease groups than those in contrast(all P><0.01).Concentrations of sCD40L,MCP-1 and IL-6 were increased in acute myocardial infarction patients than stable angina pectoris patients(P>=0.001,P>=0.009,P>=0.011,respectively).Plasma concentrations of both MCP-1 and IL-6 manifested positive correlation with Gensini scores(r=0.322,P><0.00001;r=0.203,P>=0.026,respectively).Multiple Logistic regression analysis showed that IL-6 could predict acute coronary syndrome(Or=1.275,P>=0.037). Conclusion The plasma concentrations of sCD40L,MCP-1,IL-8 and IL-6 can predict the existence of atheroma;MCP-1 and IL-6 levels correlate to the severity of atheroma in coronary artery disease patients;IL-6 plays a role in predicting acute coronary syndrome.